Help us beat the heartache of congenital heart defects.

Congenital heart defect (CHD) describes a heart condition or defect that developed in the womb. The term “congenital” means the condition is present from birth.

CHD is one of the most common types of congenital disability, affecting up to eight in every 1,000 babies. Today, there are over 250,000 adults who were born with such a condition living in the UK. And there are now more adults than children living with the condition.

These patients all have different experiences, struggles and achievements.

And, with many distinct types of CHD, we aim to ensure they all receive the medical care, support and advice they need to lead happy, healthy lives.

To do this, we need your help.

Treating Congenital Heart Defects.

Treatment for CHD depends on the type and severity of the condition. For minor problems, treatment may never be needed, while others may require medication or heart surgery; often throughout adulthood.

Just 60 years ago, the majority of babies born with a congenital heart defect did not survive to see their first birthday. Today, eight out of ten survive to adulthood*.

But there is much more that can be done.

Help us make a difference.

*Source: The BHF

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What causes congenital heart defects?

In most cases, there is no apparent cause of congenital heart defects. We just don’t know why a heart hasn’t developed normally.

However, some things do increase the risk of CHD. These include:

Down’s syndrome

Infections (of the mother) during pregnancy (e.g. rubella)

Where the mother has taken certain medications while pregnant (e.g. anticoagulants or antiepileptics)

Where the mother has experienced diabetes during pregnancy

Inherited chromosome/gene defects

The mother smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy

CHD is sometimes picked up during an ultrasound scan before a baby is born. However, in many cases CHD is not diagnosed until after the baby is born. Some conditions may not be discovered until the child becomes an adult.

Types of congenital heart defects?

There are many different types of CHD. Sometimes it is possible to suffer from more than one defect.

Aortic stenosis. A narrowing of the aortic valve opening

Atrial septal defect. A hole in the wall that separates the top two chambers of the heart

Large ventricular septal defect. A hole in the wall that separates the heart’s lower chambers

Coarctation of the aorta. Where the main large artery is narrower than normal

Common arterial trunk. Where part of the heart failed to divide properly

Complete and partial atrioventricular septal defect. A hole between the atria and between the ventricles

Double inlet ventricle. Where both atriums feed into the left ventricle

Hypoplastic left heart. Where the left lower pumping chamber (ventricle) does not develop properly

Patent ductus arteriosus. Where a particular vessel does not close and remains open after birth

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Where the valve which allows blood to flow from the heart to
the lungs is completely blocked, and the main pumping chamber on the right side has often not developed normally

Pulmonary stenosis. Where the valve which controls the flow of blood out of the heart into the lungs is narrower than normal

Supraventricular tachycardia. A condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than usual due to improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart

Tetralogy of Fallot. A condition with four different heart problems. A hole in the wall between the heart’s main pumping chambers, an overly narrow valve between the heart and lungs, a right heart chamber with walls that are too thick and a mispositioned major blood vessel

Transposition of the great arteries. Where the pulmonary and aortic valves and the arteries they’re connected to have swapped positions

Tricuspid atresia. A complete absence of the tricuspid valve

How can you help us?

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With your help, we’ve helped fund new and improved treatments for congenital heart disease.we opened the UK’s first dedicated Congenital Heart Research Centre.we’ve organised receptions at the House of Lords and House of Commons, a film première, concerts, parachute jumps, marathon runs, annual sponsored walks and masquerade balls.we ensure that adult CHD patients enjoy access to every opportunity, are free from discrimination, and are fully supported throughout their lives.we’ve staged annual conferences, regional patient information days and workshops throughout the UK.we’ve published a range of leaflets for CHD patients on a wide-range of topics.we’ve launched a Freephone patient helpline to provide practical advice, a listening ear, and emotional reassurance at times of stress.we’ve created online networks where congenital heart patients can connect with each other.we successfully applied for a Comic Relief grant to help develop mental health support services.we’ve contributed to adult congenital heart disease nurse training days and taken part in various study days and conferences for medical and health professionals.we’ve established a benevolent fund for members who are in financial hardship.we’ve organised residential weekends and outward bound holidays for teenagers and adults, providing congenital heart patients with the opportunity to meet and gain support from each other.